Category: English

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs yesterday received the overall 2024 national and provincial elections report and appreciated the strong introspection on the part of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which will create a platform for self-correction and strengthened electoral processes. The committee is confident that the areas of improvement highlighted by the IEC did not have a direct impact on the elections being free and fair.

“The areas of improvement identified by the IEC, such as challenges with the IT system, faults with the voter management devices, voting station inefficiencies and the need for improved training of electoral staff assure the committee that the Commission is doing everything to improve the quality of voting experience and efficiency of a voting station,” said Mr Mosa Chabane, the Chairperson of the committee. The committee highlighted that the report also reaffirms the IEC’s credibility as a body that delivers quality, verifiable and open elections.

Despite this, the committee emphasised the need for a reassessment of how to address the challenge of voter apathy and declining voter turnout. The committee has emphasised that enhanced civic and democratic education strategies must be urgently implemented to ensure that the number of voters increases, thereby strengthening the country’s democracy.

“There must be a reflection, not only from the IEC’s perspective but from society in general, that voter turnout is unacceptably low and impacts on the strength of South African democracy, a hard-fought right,” Mr Chabane said. The committee reaffirmed the IEC’s integrity and system veracity over time, and acknowledged improvement since its establishment. Additionally, IEC has been recognised as a benchmark for election machinery on the continent.

Meanwhile, the committee reflected on the impact of Section 24 (A) provision in the Electoral Amendment Act. The committee called on the IEC to develop a report on both the positive and negative impacts of this section during the 2024 elections. The committee highlighted its strong view on the need to review this provision, especially in the context of the unintended consequences for voter apathy.

The committee welcomed the assurance from the IEC that it is working on a reimagined voter experience that includes the value proposition that a voter does not spend more than 30 minutes in a voting station. This would require improving the quality of staff employed at voting stations, optimising processes, ironing out problems with technical tools and improving the response rate to challenges arising in voting stations.

Meanwhile, the committee has urged the IEC to highlight any legislative gaps that the committee and Parliament can work on to ensure that elections are seamless.

The committee welcomed the 59% increase in the number of voting districts over the past 25 years, which reduces the average spread of voters per voting station. The committee continued to highlight that voting stations must be as close as possible to the people to ensure ease of access.

Furthermore, the committee has welcomed the processing of the legal matter relating to IEC Commissioner Dr Nomsa Masuku in line with and within the framework of the Constitution. The committee welcomes the fact that the Commissioner has not participated in IEC affairs since her legal challenges.

On the expiry of the term of the IEC Chairperson, Mr Mosotho Moepya, and those of Judge Dhaya Pillay and Dr Masuku the committee thanked them for their service and integrity in advancing the work of the IEC. “Their dedication and sleepless nights have contributed to strengthening South Africa’s democracy,” Mr Chabane said.

The committee has reiterated the need for continued protection of the IEC’s credibility, as it plays a crucial role in promoting democratic processes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO – Report:

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In a landmark show of political will and multisectoral collaboration, the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR), the Ministry of Health, and partners are spearheading one of Africa’s most promising health financing reforms. By embracing health taxes as a strategic tool, Ethiopia has started strengthening its national health system, curbing the rise of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and advancing its journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

This momentous collaboration was showcased during a high-level training workshop held from 13 to 14 June 2025 in Adama, Ethiopia. The forum was jointly organized by WHO Ethiopia and the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and with generous financial support from the Government of Norway.

The two-day event brought together 63 MPs and parliamentary staff as well as 13 senior officials of the Ministry of Health, reaffirming the critical role of legislative bodies in shaping public health through economic policy.

The workshop focused on consolidating the capacity of lawmakers to further understand and champion health taxes—specifically excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages. These taxes are globally recognized for their dual impact: they discourage the use of harmful products while generating sustainable revenue to fund essential health services.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Lomi Bedo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the transformative power of Ethiopia’s 2020 excise tax law. “By raising taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful products, Ethiopia has taken a critical step toward safeguarding public health and promoting healthier communities,” she stated. “Increasing prices on unhealthy commodities remains one of the most effective strategies to reduce their consumption and associated health risks, including addiction and premature death.”

Her remarks echoed the growing recognition of Parliament’s proactive legislative stance—one that aligns with the nation’s development vision and its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ethiopian State Minister of Health H.E. Dr. Dereje Duguma on his part warned that misleading narratives from the tobacco industry persist—particularly claims that more than 50% of the tobacco market has turned illicit post-legislation. He stressed the importance of evidence-based policymaking and pledged the Ministry’s continued collaboration with Parliament, WHO, and all development partners to strengthen tax administration and uphold Ethiopia’s progress toward UHC and NCD control.

Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Owen Laws Kaluwa, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, praised Ethiopia’s leadership in adopting bold and effective non-traditional mechanisms to raise additional funds for the country. “Stronger health systems enable countries to allocate scarce resources to their most pressing priorities,” Dr. Kaluwa said. “The 2020 excise tax legislation remains one of the most impactful policy tools for reducing the consumption of harmful products while boosting domestic revenue.”

Dr. Kaluwa highlighted that WHO’s support to Ethiopia is part of a multi-year project on health taxes implemented in collaboration with IPU and funded by the Norwegian Government. As a priority country in this initiative, Ethiopia is receiving targeted technical assistance for policy analysis, tax implementation, and improved access to NCD treatment and care.

Throughout the workshop, MPs and parliamentary technical staff deliberated on the latest global and national evidence on the effectiveness of health taxes. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions using updated policy briefs, data, and technical tools designed to inform legislative decisions and sustain tax implementation in the long term.

Key discussions focused on the importance of Parliament’s role in maintaining robust tax systems, supporting annual adjustments, and shielding policy development from industry interference. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing fiscal policies that prioritize public health and social equity.

Health taxes have gained wider recognition globally as part of a broader push to combat NCDs—conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses that account for more than 70% of global deaths and disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries. Ethiopia’s approach—grounded in science, backed by policy, and supported by partners—demonstrates how strategic legislation can serve both public health and economic resilience.

Looking ahead, WHO Ethiopia reaffirmed its dedication to working alongside Parliament, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders to reinforce Ethiopia’s health financing landscape. This includes ensuring that health taxes are not only implemented but effective, efficient, and accountable public financial management systems are necessary for the additional revenues to reach and be accountable for expenditure objectives.

“Health taxes are not just a revenue tool—they are a health-saving, life-preserving measure,” Dr. Kaluwa concluded. “Ethiopia’s continued leadership in this space is not only commendable but also offers a blueprint for the region and beyond.”

As the country continues its path toward UHC, Ethiopia’s experience highlights the power of political commitment, intersectoral collaboration, and strategic investment in health. The success of its health tax policy and administration illustrates how even modest fiscal interventions can yield transformative outcomes—saving lives, strengthening systems, and building a healthier future for all.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

Source: APO – Report:

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Fifteen representatives of communities from across the Western region met with the Special Representative of the Secretary General to further discuss the security situation and share their opinions on the way forward to develop a political roadmap on Monday. 

Participants, which included municipal leaders and notables, stressed that the transitional period needs to come to an end, and that any political process must move forward in an environment free from security tensions. The participants suggested weapons be withdrawn from Tripoli to protect civilian lives and the security institutions of the government secure the capital.  

Participants were briefed on the four options put forward by the Advisory Committee in May. As outlined in the  Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s report,  the options include:     

1. Option 1: Presidential and legislative elections are to be conducted within two years, commencing once a political settlement is reached on the legal status and financial independence of HNEC, the necessary amendments to the constitutional and legal framework for elections, and a unified government. The political settlement should include provisions for adopting a permanent constitution for the country.  
2. Option 2: A bicameral legislative council will be elected within two years, with the drafting and ratification of the constitution entrusted to the Senate. The new constitution will regulate all subsequent presidential and parliamentary elections.  
3. Option 3: Adopt a constitution, prior to elections. This option involves examining the challenges associated with the 2017 draft constitution and exploring the feasibility of drafting a new constitution.  
4. Option 4: Activate the dialogue mechanism and replace existing institutional stakeholders with a constituent assembly through LPA Article 64 dialogue process. 

“We support fourth option put forward by the Advisory Committee because previous and current governments have supported militias, which has contributed to the deterioration of the security, political and economic situation in Libya,” said one representative. 

Others said that elders were working across communities to continue local mediation and avoid further violence, and that 143 mukhtars from 11 municipalities wanted to convey the message that war should be avoided and dialogue promoted to resolve differences peacefully. 

Highlighting deficient infrastructure and basic services, representatives also said citizens in their areas were seriously suffering from shortcomings in the educational and health sector.  

“Certain individuals do not want the Libyans to move on,” said one representative. “At this critical juncture, our priority should be focused on a process that leads to a unified government that effectively addresses security and economic issues, as well as citizens’ concerns, in the western region and across Libya.”

– on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Source: APO – Report:

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The 2025 annual Eritrean community festival was colorfully conducted with patriotic zeal on 10 and 11 July in Rotterdam under the theme “Our Cohesion – Our Armour.” The festival was officially opened by Mr. Negasi Kassa, Eritrea’s Ambassador to the European Union and Benelux countries.

Mr. Zeray Gebru, Chairman of the Eritrean Community, congratulated the participants and commended those who contributed to the successful organization of the festival, particularly the Holidays Coordinating Committees from various cities, Eritrean communities, national organizations, individuals, and institutions.

Ambassador Negasi also conducted a seminar for the participants focusing on the prevailing situation in the homeland and the region. He noted that, despite external hostilities, the Eritrean people remain steadfast and focused on national development programs. He provided a detailed briefing on the progress of the national development programs and called on nationals to reinforce unity, resilience, and active participation in national affairs.

Highlighting the importance of festivals in fostering unity and passing on noble societal values to the younger generation, Mr. Kibreab Tewolde, Head of Consular Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy, gave an overview of the consular services being provided and the procedures nationals should follow.

The festival featured cultural and artistic performances, a traditional fashion show, and various programs reflecting the unity in diversity of the Eritrean people.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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Veteran freedom fighter and member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mohammed-Omar Mahmud, passed away on 14 July in Asmara at the age of 71.

Ambassador Mohammed-Omar, who joined the EPLF in 1976, was elected as a member of the Executive Committee and Secretary of the National Association of Eritrean Students at its founding congress held in Keren in 1978. He also served as head of the EPLF office in Syria from 1984 to 1987, and later as head of research at the EPLF’s Foreign Relations Department until 1991.

Following Eritrea’s independence, Ambassador Mohammed-Omar served his country and people with dedication as Eritrea’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. He also served as Eritrea’s non-resident Ambassador to various other countries.

Veteran fighter Ambassador Mohammed-Omar Mahmud is survived by his wife and two children.

The funeral service of Ambassador Mohammed-Omar will be held tomorrow at mid-day at the Asmara Martyrs Cemetery.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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Eng. Abraham Daniel, head of Agricultural Infrastructure in the Central Region, reported that the dams and micro-dams in the region are in good condition.

Indicating that there are 87 dams and 45 micro-dams in the region, Eng. Abraham said that they have collected a total of over 70 million cubic meters of water. He further noted that 12 of the dams, with a combined capacity of over 50 million cubic meters, are supplying potable water to urban and rural residents, while the remaining ones are serving agricultural development and household needs.

Eng. Abraham also said that the construction of the dams in Arberobu’e and Dirfo have been finalized this year, while construction of the dam in Adi-Hawush is ongoing.

He noted that the dams constructed in collaboration with the public and members of the Defense Forces have brought satisfaction to residents and are contributing to the enrichment of underground water in the areas. He also called on the public to conduct regular follow-ups to ensure the sustainability of the dams and micro-dams.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

TOP AFRICA NEWS (www.TOPAFRICANEWS.com) has been recognized as the Best Environment & Natural Resources News Platform 2025 by MEA Markets, highlighting its significant contribution to environmental journalism across Africa.

This latest accolade caps a series of distinguished awards for the platform, including SME of the Year (2022), Best International Publication Service Provider (2023), and Best Marketing Service Provider (2024), demonstrating consistent excellence and leadership in the region’s media landscape.

Founder and Managing Director Mr. DUSABEMUNGU Ange de la Victoire expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “Being named the best platform in this vital field underscores our dedication to covering critical environmental issues affecting Africa. It motivates us to continue delivering impactful, accurate, and insightful journalism that can influence policy and inspire sustainable change across the continent.”

He emphasized the platform’s mission, saying, “At TOP AFRICA NEWS, our goal remains to amplify Africa’s stories on issues like natural resources, conservation, and sustainable development—topics that are pivotal for the continent’s future. This award reaffirms our role as a trusted voice for Africa’s environment and natural resources sectors.”

Available on www.TOPAFRICANEWS.com, the website provides comprehensive coverage of topics ranging from agriculture and tourism to youth engagement and peacebuilding, aiming to inform and empower communities across Africa.

As climate and environmental challenges grow more urgent, TOP AFRICA NEWS pledges to sustain its focus on delivering high-quality news that drives awareness, action, and sustainable development across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TOP AFRICA NEWS.

Additional link: https://apo-opa.co/4kHbEw8

Media contact: 
vickange@gmail.com  

About TOP AFRICA NEWS: 
TOP AFRICA NEWS is a Private shareholder Digital News Website managed by AFRICA NEWS DIGEST Ltd, a Domestic Company registered in Rwanda Development Board. Available on www.TOPAFRICANEWS.com, this website publishes stories from across Africa focusing on Environment, Natural resources, Livestock and Agriculture, Tourism and conservation, Youth, Sports and Culture, Peace Building, Health, Infrastructure and ICT, Security, Education, Business and Banking. The main objective of this website is to tell the World the real Africa’s Story from the real and reliable sources. We Publish News Stories, Supplements stories, advertorials, Feature stories among many others. We are based in Kigali, Rwanda.

Source: APO

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Craters filled with muddy water pocket the landscape of the Kono district in Sierra Leone – the result of past diamond mining ventures which sparked a vicious local battle over resources.

But now, parts of the land have been restored. Crops are beginning to flourish and bees are buzzing around once again.

The people responsible for this change are a hodgepodge group – former taxi drivers and miners, people who barely finished secondary school and some with higher education degrees. The unifying factor? Most have youth on their side.

“There is life beyond mining [but] we all grew up with the mentality that diamond is the only solution,” said Sahr Fallah, chairman of the Youth Council in Kono.

Over 44 percent of the 1.3 billion people aged 15-24 are employed in agrifood systems. However, this group often does not have the same access to resources as older generations. Moreover, they are sidelined in the conversations which might change this systemic exclusion.

“A lot of the time, what we find is that young people are included in policy processes but it is a little bit tokenistic. They don’t feel like their voice really matters,” said Lauren Phillips, a deputy director at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Decent work = economic growth

The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York has been convened this week and next, to discuss progress – or lack thereof – towards the globally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of which guarantees decent work for all.

Despite this commitment, over half of the global workforce remains in informal employment, according to the Secretary-General’s report on the SDGs released Monday. This means that they do not have adequate social or legal protections.

“Decent work must be at the heart of macroeconomic planning, climate and diesel transitions and social recovery strategies,” said Sangheon Lee, director of employment policy at the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Don’t ignore youth

Like other vulnerable groups, young people face unique challenges in the agrifood sector. Specifically, they often lack land rights and will struggle to act collectively to protect their interests.

“If you are not looking at data with a lens of age or gender, you are actually missing part of the story,” Ms. Phillips said.

Among these assets are land titles – which the elderly may be reluctant to pass down because of insufficient social protections. Youth also are less able to access credit so they can invest in themselves and their families.

Betty Seray Sam, one of the young farmers in Kono, said that her family never used to come to her when they were going through a crisis – they knew that she had no money and a child to support.

But now, through an agricultural job in Kono, she can support her family during times of crisis.

“This project has had a rippling effect for the youth in terms of not only improving their livelihoods but also the livelihoods of their families,” said Abdul Munu, president of Mabunduku, a community-based farmer’s organization in Kono.

Bee a farmer

Providing training to young people in agrifood systems is absolutely essential to ensure that they can practice sustainable agriculture.

In Chegutu, Zimbabwe, FAO has helped establish Bee Farmers Schools where young people are taught how to support apiaries through hands-on training activities.

“The idea is that one of the apiaries can be turned into a classroom where youth from different parts of a district can come just like a school,” said Barnabas Mawire, a natural resource specialist at FAO.

This training has helped support local youth beekeepers to move beyond local and small-scale honey production to a fully-fledged business model that has the potential to not just fight poverty but actually create local wealth.

Evelyn Mutuda, the young entrepreneurs representative in Chegutu, aspires to plant Jacaranda trees which she says will improve the quality of the bees’ honey and enable the beekeepers to export beyond local markets.

“We want to maximize all the profits so we can become better and bigger,” Ms. Mutuda said.

From Facebook to TikTok

Being able to form labour associations is one of the key factors of decent work. This sort of collective action is even more important for youth in agrifood who often lack the social capital to enact real policy change.

“Young people are just starting out, making bonds within their group but also with people outside of their group. Those bonds are important…because there is power in numbers,” Ms. Phillips said.

She also noted that young people are forming these bonds across geographic distances, often by using technology. Agrifood influencers on Instagram and TikTok, for example, are increasingly shaping conversations about the sector.

Ms. Phillips also noted that it is important to think of collective action for youth as intergenerational.

“While the report is focused on young people, it’s not ignorant of the fact that young people live in families…There is a lot which talks about the need for solidarity between generations,” Ms. Phillips said.

Youth optimism

The next generation will be the stewards of the food we eat, so integrating them into that system now is essential for future food security and sustainability.

“Many youth integrate tradition with innovation, creating sustainability and community resilience,” said Venedio Nala Ardisa, a youth representative at the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, at an online side event during the high-level forum.

Angeline Manhanzva, one of the beekeepers in Chegutu, said that the opportunity to become a beekeeper changed her life. One day, she dreams of owning her own bee farm.

“I will be an old person who has so much wealth and is able to buy her own big land to keep my hives and process my own honey.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

At least 24 boys, 11 girls and two pregnant women reportedly were among the victims of the violence, which occurred over the weekend in communities around the city of Bara, including the villages of Shag Alnom and Hilat Hamid. 

UNICEF fears that with dozens more injured and many still missing, the number of child casualties could rise further.

‘A complete disregard for human life’

“These attacks are an outrage,” Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“They represent a terrifying escalation of violence, and a complete disregard for human life, international humanitarian law, and the most basic principles of humanity.”

Former allies turned rivals – the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – have been battling for control of the country since April 2023 and fighting has intensified recently in the Kordofan region which encompasses three states.

End the violence now

“UNICEF condemns the attacks in the strongest possible terms,” said Ms. Russell.

She called on all parties to end the violence immediately and to uphold their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, as well as the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.

The UNICEF chief stressed that civilians – particularly children – must never be targeted. Furthermore, all alleged violations must be independently investigated, and those responsible held to account.

“Impunity cannot be tolerated for violations of international law, especially when children’s lives are at stake,” she said.

Ms. Russell extended the agency’s deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and to anyone impacted by this heinous violence.

“No child should ever experience such horrors,” she said. “Violence against children is unconscionable and must end now.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.